About Us

Kristin is passionate about strengthening relational resources to propel social innovation & create positive change. She is a social scientist who loves to do mash-ups of relational, collaborative and participatory co-design approaches to applied research and practice. Kristin is a Taos Associate, Research Faculty at Portland State University Institute on Aging, Senior Fellow and United Nations Representative for Generations United, Senior Advisor for HelpAge USA, and Adjunct Faculty at Dominican University School of Social Work. 

Kathryn has spent most of her working life in non-profits focusing on social justice work. She provides training for professionals on the impact of domestic violence and trauma on children. Kathryn works closely with county and community-based organizations to develop cross-system collaboration, training, and trauma informed leadership. Kathryn also supports prevention work and circle keeping, with a restorative justice lens.  

Sydney is a Social Worker who works with children and families. She is driven to form trusting relationships and advocate for the best interest of children and families. Sydney has experience in mental health, adoption, foster care, and investigating child abuse. She is also working on obtaining her clinical license to provide trauma-informed therapy to children.

Cory Elliott is a community leader and co-founder of the non-profit organization "The Black Neighborhood". He has a passion for youth development, education, and is an all around factotum for communities nationwide. He focuses on intergenerational work and violence prevention. Cory earned an undergraduate degree from  Howard University and a master's degree from Relay Graduate School of Education.

Buddy has a long history of contributing to his community. Currently, he is a member of the D.C. Multimodal Accessibility Advisory Council,  Outreach Coordinator for the D.C. Ward One Senior Wellness Center, and a volunteer with the D.C. Metropolitan Police Department Youth Advisory Council.  He has also served with the  US Congress,  D.C. Commission on Aging,  D.C. Advisory Neighborhood Commission, D.C. Recreation Department’s Cooperative Play Program,  Park View Elementary School PTA,  D.C. Board of Pharmacy, and as a Neighborhood Commissioner for Washington, D.C.

  Vanessa has been working on social justice for most of her life nationally and internationally. Her main focus has been empowering women through economic opportunities and addressing social issues specific to their location.  Her energy has been dedicated on systems of oppression as she has worked with foreign-born survivors of human trafficking.  Her work is  informed by trainings addressing somatic modalities to heal trauma.  She is finishing her certification on Trauma Sensitive Yoga, while adapting the methodology for Latinx cohorts.

Adrian is a public servant with a passion for closing the digital divide and  connecting generations. With that passion, he developed the Senior Citizen Tech Workshop for the D.C. Office of Chief Technology Office and coordinates projects that connect residents and teach communities about technology.  Adrian earned an undergraduate degree from Delaware State University and an MBA from Wilmington University College of Business.

Paloma is a psychologist working on applied research focused on community development, trauma, and the prevention of violence and poverty. She incorporates integrated narrative and arts-based practice in research projects. Paloma is a Taos Associate and Research Associate at Instituto Tercera Misión.

Vanessa conducts critical research and counselor education. She also practices counseling in the context of family therapy. Vanessa is working on her doctoral research focusing on constructions of mental health and wellness in rural communities.